REVIEW: Cyrano de Bergerac @ National Theatre Live ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cyrano de Bergerac is a classic tale of love, lies and loneliness that has been told many times before in theatre, film, opera and even ballet, but this powerful National Theatre production, adapted by Martin Crimp and directed by Jamie Lloyd, reimagines the 17th-century story for 21st-century audiences.

It takes a little time, as an audience member, to settle into the unique blend of time periods, as the play takes place in Renaissance France but has all the markers of London’s hip-hop scene in this production, and the verse text is spoken as rap. However, once you are accustomed to the contemporary style in which this tragic story is told, you are taken on one unforgettable journey. The world set out before you is one where soldiers are poets and their words are weapons, so it is fitting that language itself takes centre stage. The production elements are minimal – the set is subtle and the lighting operates on a functional level – so there are no distractions from the text which is expertly delivered by a strong ensemble cast with James McAvoy (Cyrano), Anita-Joy Uwajeh (Roxane), and Eben Figueiredo (Christian) at its centre. The use of microphones throughout the performance dictates that the cast are often rooted to one spot and deliver their lines directly to the audience, but the cast flourish in this exposing, 4th-wall-breaking set-up and their strong chemistry is clear to see.

While the strength of the ensemble must be commended, there is no denying that James McAvoy steals the show as he seamlessly moves through moments of comedy, intimacy and devastation. McAvoy was naturally a crowd-drawer as a renowned actor on the big and small screens, however, he has certainly reached new heights in this stage show as his captivating performance stays in your thoughts long after the play has ended and you’ve left the theatre.

While the opening 15 minutes lacked some pace and allowed for awkward pauses, the play was truly alive and kicking by the end of the 1st half (thanks to the McAvoy injecting some energy) and you were left stuck in your seat wanting more during the interval. The play only got better as it moved into the 2nd half and, by the end, the impactful performances of McAvoy, Uwajeh and Michele Austin (Ragueneau) certainly led to a few teary eyes in the theatre.

This production of Cyrano de Bergerac is simply incredible and will surely be talked about by theatre-goers and critics alike for some time. It examines the timeless traits of human nature with wit and delicacy, and sets the standard for the modern retelling of classic plays yet to come.